2014 Jaguar XKR-S GT

Track-ready XK Coupe has arrived

Exclusivity is the hot button in modern horsepower wars. Jaguar is keeping in step with this trend debuting their 2014 XKR-S GT. A track-ready and street legal version of the XK Coupe.

Developed by the Jaguar ETO division, an in-house specialty vehicle group, the supercar is constructed on an all-aluminum body structure and assembled using aerospace derived aluminum bonding and riveting techniques.

The XKR-S GT features bespoke aerodynamic components to increase down force, and has new suspension and steering systems designed to maximize high-speed cornering ability. The GT achieves a maximum down force of 320lbs through the addition of aerodynamic aids including a carbon-fiber front splitter, dive planes, extended wheel arch spats, an elevated rear wing, rear diffuser and an aluminum undertray.

Powered by a 550hp, 502 lb. ft. supercharged 5.0L V8 engine coupled to a six-speed ZF automatic transmission and active electronically controlled rear differential. The XKR-S GT sprints from 0-60 in 3.9s with an electronically limited top speed of 186mph. Of course an active exhaust system for reduced backpressure and enhanced aural character give the leaping cat its trademark growl.

A carbon ceramic brake system, featuring 398mm and 380mm front/rear rotors capped nicely by six- and four-piston monoblock calipers keep with the cars track ready theme. This is the first time such a brake system has been fitted to a production Jaguar vehicle.

Suspension changes include a wider front track, increased camber, revised bushings, a new steering system and faster steering ratio. Height-adjustable adaptive dampers feature a race-derived twin spring system, spring rates increased by 68% at the front and 25% at the rear. Wider, 20-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels are designed to maximize brake cooling and are wrapped with 255/35-20 and 305/30-20 Pirelli Corsa tires.

30 of examples will make their way to select showrooms (if they even make it that far). 25 are set to hit U.S. roads, while the remaining five will find homes in Canada. With a suggested MSRP of $174,000 suggests diehard Jaguar fans will fight over the models until the company actually develops a XJ220 replacement. The cars are set to arrive sometime in August 2013.